RUSSELL: History for Alex Ovechkin and hugs for Jay Beagle

Tuesday was a night that reminded us all why we love hockey, humanity and hugs. Oh and while we're at it — who doesn't love Alex Ovechkin and Jay Beagle?

Wrapped into one evening, Capitals fans were able to experience all the feelings that made last spring's run to a Stanley Cup extra special.

A tight 3-2 Caps win over the Vancouver Canucks was most important and much needed. The Caps have now won two of three since the All-Star break and are all alone in second place in the Metropolitan Division, two points behind Barry Trotz's Islanders.

Once again, there was a wonderful reminder of the team Trotz led to a Stanley Cup, as Jay Beagle made his return to Washington after signing a multi-year deal in Vancouver last July.

Beagle, one of the most popular Caps players in this era, started the game for the Canucks and was loudly cheered during pre-game warm-ups and a moving video tribute.

Moments after that hug, history was made again by the "Great 8" as Ovechkin became the all-time leading scorer among Russian-born players, passing his friend and former Capital Sergei Fedorov.

Just three minutes into the game, Ovechkin swooped behind the net with the puck after T.J. Oshie forced a turnover. Ovechkin passed to Nicklas Backstrom, whose shot was saved, but Oshie cleaned up the rebound.

Ovechkin's assist on the play gave him 1,180 total points (644 goals/536 assists) in 1,054 career games. Fedorov had 483 goals and 696 assists over 1,248 games in his illustrious 18-season NHL career.

Ovechkin accomplished his feat in 193 fewer games. "It's pretty big. I appreciate everyone who did all the work with me," Ovechkin told reporters after the game.

The Caps were lousy in the second period after a dominant first frame in which they out-shot Vancouver 18-5. They killed off both Vancouver power plays, which has been an enormous problem. They overcame a penalty shot and hung on for dear life in the final moments to claim a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Beagle and the Canucks.

Tuesday was a night that proved the magic was back in Capital One Arena. If you were there, you shed a tear. If you watched on TV or listened on 106.7 The Fan, you couldn't help but remember just how special the building and those who play in it have become to a sports community that desperately needed a shot in the arm.